Rather than merely increase their knowledge, Jesus wanted his disciples to be like him.
Imitation is called the sincerest form of flattery. Copying someone’s ways in order to convey approval is often said to be a compliment. The original statement, by Oscar Wilde, is “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” Flattery, however, is considered excessive, insincere praise to gain approval (Merriam-Webster).
Jesus did not want flattery from his disciples and he does not want it from any of his followers. Our praise of Jesus and imitation of him ought to be sincere and reverent.
Jesus chose his disciples, and he still chooses his followers, pursuing them for relationship with him. Shouldn’t that ignite our desire to spend time in his presence?
We do not have Jesus’ physical presence in front of us, but we have his words, recorded in the Bible. That should be a used and valued treasure for each believer. We should consider how we are spending time with God. Do we come before him in worship and with reverence? Do we take time to read and reread, contemplate and pray, and ask God for wisdom in understanding his words? If we are to be followers of Jesus, we need to spend time with him, know him, learn from him, and obey him. By the work of the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified as we follow Jesus.
Luke 9:23 says that in order to follow Jesus a person must surrender his selfish ways and submit to Jesus. That is weighty. When Jesus chose his disciples, they left the normalcy of their lives in order to glean all they could from the long-awaited Messiah. Do we have such enthusiasm and commitment when we meet with Jesus each day? How does our time with him change us?
Jesus knew every detail of each disciple. He did not take away their personality, but through his mercy and grace he began to work in them. Transforming them by the renewal of their minds and the focus of their hearts, the disciples learned to know God and imitate Jesus.
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus as we grow in him!